Australia has never driven migration into reverse by design. Would slamming the brakes on be calamitous?
The article examines the political rhetoric surrounding Australia's migration levels, noting that the country has never intentionally driven net migration into reverse. It contrasts historical economic downturns with current political promises from figures like Pauline Hanson.
Why it matters
Migration is a central and contentious issue in Australian politics, and this analysis provides historical context to current policy debates.
Excluding New Zealanders and those on visitor visas, temporary migrants as a share of Australia’s population has more than doubled over the past 15 years. Image shows Bondi Beach./iStockphoto Excluding New Zealanders and those on visitor visas, temporary migrants as a share of Australia’s population has more than doubled over the past 15 years. Image shows Bondi Beach./iStockphoto Australian immigration and asylum Analysis Australia has never driven migration into reverse by design. Would slamming the brakes on be calamitous? Patrick Commins Australia does have a migration challenge – but it’s not what One Nation and the Coalition think it is
Get our new political email , free app or daily news podcast
Australia is flirting with the idea of something it has never done: deliberately driving net overseas migration into reverse .
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in